Established in the wake of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the diocesan Blue Mass marked its silver anniversary this year at St. Mel Catholic Church on September 29.
The annual fall liturgy offers the Catholic faithful an opportunity to pray with and for the police, firefighters and first responders who carry out the often difficult and dangerous vocation of keeping communities safe.
Bishop Alberto Rojas was the chief celebrant of the Blue Mass, which this year fell on the Feast of Saints Michael, Raphael and Gabriel, the Archangels. St. Michael the Archangel is often cited as a patron saint for law enforcement and first responders who confront perilous situations.
“Today, we renew our vow to pray for you, just as you renew your vow to protect us,” Bishop Rojas said during his homily. “May Saint Michael the Archangel defend you in battle. May your guardian angels shield you from all harm and guide your steps safely home to your families at the end of every shift and every day.”
Bishop Rojas connected the vocation of public safety to divine intervention.
“Just as the holy angels descend into the dark corners of the world to bring order and protection, you step directly into every crisis,” he preached. When others flee in terror looking for protection, you rush in to defend and protect us. When anyone faces his/her darkest hour, your flashing lights are the first sign of hope.”
In an effort to make it more accessible to public safety employees, themselves, the Blue Mass was held on a weekday morning for the first time. The shift led to more uniformed personnel in attendance. Junior Carillo, a public safety commissioner for the City of San Bernardino who attended, called the Blue Mass “a great cause” and hoped to make more police, firefighters and first responders aware of it in the future. “More people need to be aware of what we’re doing. Thanking and supporting those who keep our communities safe as part of our prayer and worship is very important.”
For the first time in several years fire trucks, provided this year by CalFire and the Corona Fire Department, staged the raising of a Garrison Flag outside the church before Mass. The conclusion of the Blue Mass feature traditional elements including the Last Alarm, a ringing of bells followed by a bagpiper paying tribute to those in public safety killed in the line of duty. Bishop Rojas and Catholic chaplains also offered the traditional blessing of the badges.
The Blue Mass also serves as a moment for the diocese to honor a public safety community member with the Chief Patrick Crowe Award, given to one to whose faith uplifted their work in public safety. The 2026 recipient was Sergeant Alberto Gutierrez from the Corona Police Department. A parishioner of St. Edward Church in Corona, Sgt. Gutierrez was lauded for his work in overseeing the honor guard program at Corona PD as well as mentoring young people through the department’s Explorer Program.
“He has shown great leadership in this calling by holding his team accountable and ensuring they are always at their best,” said LAPD Officer Joe Diaz, who introduced the award. “He succeeds because he is dedicated to those he mentors.”